Thank you for your compassion.

I just got off the phone with a wonderful supporter who wanted an update on our various campaigns. My conversation with her made me realize how lucky we are to know so many wonderful people who work hard to protect the environment and to stop the terrible cruelty and abuse suffered by so many animals.

So I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of Animal Alliance and the Animal Protection Party. We could not have a more dedicated group of people who have continued to support us through some very long, very trying, very controversial campaigns.

I wish you a happy holiday with family and friends. And remember how lucky we are to share our homes with our beloved animal companions.

Thought I would tell you about my little Mellie. Five years ago, Jane, a friend of my partner, died in very difficult circumstance as a result of mental illness and left behind a little cat named Mellie. She is a Persian so she has a very Persian face as you can see in the pictures.

We did not know that Jane had a cat even though she was passionate about them. But for some reason she chose to keep that part of her life a secret. Jane’s family approached us to see if we knew anyone who would give her a new home. We agreed that Mellie should come and live with us so that Jane would know that she was loved and cherished.

Jane’s family took Mellie to the family veterinarian where I picked her up to bring her home. When I first saw her, she was huddled in a cage, frightened and disoriented. She was 11 at the time. Five years later, at age 16, she is thriving.

So out of a very sad time, came a very great gift to my family in the body of a tiny little cat who only wanted to be loved. This is what the holiday season is all about – giving peace to as many animals as we can and fighting for those where peace is not a reality.